Judith R. Baarda, the daughter of Clarence and Sylvia Renaud, was born Oct. 30, 1940, in Sully. She was the first child among three daughters and three sons. Her family resided in Sully and also enjoyed two years living in Phoenix, AZ, during the late 1940s before returning to Iowa. Judith graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School in 1958.
Judith was united in marriage with Dean P. Baarda on June 16, 1959, in Sully. They became the parents of two sons Vance and Brent. Judith and Dean raised their family in Minnesota, where Dean was employed for 33 years at Dayton-Hudson Corporation, since renamed as Target Corporation. In 1998, they retired and moved to Scottsdale, AZ, where they spent the fall and winter each year. Spring and summer months were spent on an acreage near Grinnell. Dean and Judith had a loving marriage built upon mutual respect, a shared Christian faith, and genuine admiration for each other. They were married for nearly 50 years.
After Dean’s passing in 2009, Judith moved to Fountain Hills, AZ, where she enjoyed several years of independence and a home overlooking her beloved McDowell Mountain Range. In 2016, she relocated to Provo, UT, where she spent her final years living near Vance’s family.
Some of Judith’s interests were playing the piano, classical and spiritual music, traveling, regional cooking, reading, interior design, and spending time with her many friends and neighbors. Judith was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother. She will be remembered for her kind heart, easy laughter, warm speaking voice, sense of style, optimism, courage, and generosity.
Judith entered her eternal home on Jan. 25, 2021, in Provo, UT. She was a member of CenterPoint Church in Orem, UT. Her remains will be interred next to those of her husband Dean at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, AZ. A private family celebration of her life will be held at a future date.
Those left to honor her memory are sons Vance (Sarah) Baarda of Lindon, UT, and Brent (Alana) Baarda of Libertyville, IL. Of her original family, she is survived by sisters Georgia Varga and Lilyan Eliason, and brothers Doug Renaud, Greg Renaud, and Dean Renaud. Surviving grandchildren are Benjamin (Brooke) Baarda, Rebecca (Russell) Andlauer, Rachel Baarda (J.T. Allen), and Hannah Baarda; and one great-grandson Dean J.H. Baarda. She also has twin great-granddaughters on the way, expected in March.
Memorials may be given to the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration.
